General Sales, Merchandising at Huntington Junior College

This program's graduates earn $25,876 in their first year—below the national median for sales programs but exactly matching West Virginia's median for this field. The more concerning pattern is what happens next: earnings drop 13% by year four to $22,460, suggesting graduates may struggle to advance or find stable footing in sales careers. With $27,833 in debt (substantially higher than the national median of $17,266), new graduates face debt exceeding their first-year earnings.

The small sample size here—fewer than 30 graduates tracked—means these numbers could swing dramatically with even a handful of different outcomes. However, the high Pell grant percentage (87%) indicates this serves primarily low-income students who may have few alternatives. In that context, the debt load becomes especially troubling since these families typically have less cushion to absorb loan payments while earnings decline.

For parents considering this program, the fundamental question is whether a two-year degree costing nearly $28,000 makes sense when it leads to earnings that actually decrease over time and start below $26,000. Most sales positions don't require formal credentials, and starting in entry-level retail or inside sales roles without the debt burden might offer similar earnings with better financial flexibility. If pursuing formal training in sales, look for programs where debt stays well below first-year earnings and where graduates show income growth rather than decline.